The Fresno County Democratic Central Committee has not endorsed any candidate in this race.

For Immediate Release
Contact: 510-560-3704

LOS ANGELES, Calif.: (March 13, 2017) Assembly Member Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens) has announced her support for progressive Democrat, Kimberly Ellis, to lead the California Democratic Party.

Garcia, who is chair of both the Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Natural Resources Committee, shares Ellis’ vision of a revitalized CDP, focused on organizing and community engagement. Garcia’s backing further demonstrates Ellis’ broad support from elected leaders in both the State House and Congress. The endorsement was first made public last night at Ellis’ Los Angeles Region Campaign Kickoff, which brought together nearly 100 of the area’s most well-known progressive voices and activists.

“As Chair of the Women’s Caucus, I know how important, yet difficult, it is to give women a seat at the table,” said Garcia, who used to be a teacher before being elected into office. “That’s why we need to elect a Democratic Party Chair who isn’t just pro-choice but pro-woman. Kimberly Ellis is committed to fighting for women’s political parity, while also protecting our progressive values and supporting diverse, high-quality leaders for our state and nation. We need her leadership now more than ever. That is why I am endorsing Kimberly Ellis for California Democratic Party Chair.”

Before being elected to the Assembly in 2012, Garcia helped form the local advocacy organization, Bell Association to Stop the Abuse, in response to the City of Bell’s corruption scandal. As a legislator, Garcia introduced an ethics and transparency bill package to curb political corruption. Governor Jerry Brown signed five of her reform measures into law. For her part, Ellis has voluntarily released the list of all of her donors to demonstrate her commitment to transparency and called upon her opponent to do the same.

“With her background as a grassroots advocate, Assembly Member Garcia knows firsthand the devastating impact corruption has upon a community,” Ellis said. “Voters must be confident that California Democrats will root out insider corruption and backroom deals wherever they occur – including our own backyard. I am beyond proud to have the support of such a prominent and ethical lawmaker, who is blazing the trail and making all of us proud.”